SA activists accuse Israeli forces of abuse, plan new Gaza mission

October 8, 2025 44

Six South African activists detained by the Israeli Defence Force say they were mocked, handcuffed, and stripped naked while in custody after being intercepted en route to Gaza.

The group, part of the Global Sumud Flotilla Mission, was among more than 400 international activists who attempted to deliver humanitarian aid to the war-torn territory.

The activists, who were detained last Thursday, returned to South Africa on Wednesday to a warm welcome from hundreds of supporters at OR Tambo International Airport.

Among those detained were Mandla Mandela, grandson of former President Nelson Mandela, writer Zukiswa Wanner, activists Reaaz Moolla, Zaheer Soomar, Dr Fatima Hendricks, and Carrie Shelver.

Mandela said it was vital for South Africa to take a firm stand on Gaza and confirmed that a second humanitarian mission is already being planned.

Mandela said the group will return to continue their humanitarian efforts to help the people of Gaza.

The activists claim they were subjected to inhumane treatment, including being stripped, mocked, and kept handcuffed for hours.

They believe they were deliberately targeted because of South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

One of the detainees, Zaheer Soomar, says they were also mistreated because of their religion.

Soomar says they were prevented from showering, had rifles pointed at them, and faced discrimination.

The group further alleges that they were denied proper consular access, with South African diplomats allowed only two minutes of contact after several days of requests and a seven-hour wait.

DIRCO spokesperson, Chrispin Phiri, says the government is reviewing the allegations and will engage Israeli authorities on the matter.

Meanwhile, the government has rejected Israeli claims that taxpayer money funded the flotilla.

Phiri clarified that South Africa’s role was limited to diplomatic assistance, facilitating the activists’ release through its offices in the Middle East.

Mandela confirmed the mission was funded by private donors, saying €15,000 — about R300,000 — was raised in Tunisia to buy the boats.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned the interception, calling Israel’s actions “a serious affront to global solidarity and humanitarian efforts to ease suffering in Gaza.”

Israel, however, insists reports of a humanitarian crisis are exaggerated and has dismissed the flotilla as a publicity stunt in support of Hamas.

🇿🇦✊🏾 WELCOME HOME MANDLA MANDELA!

Returns from Israeli detention after Gaza flotilla mission. “We will return” – MK Party stands with him!

Palestinian liberation = our struggle 🇵🇸#FreePalestine #GazaFlotilla #MandlaMandela #MKParty

— Darkone® (@DarkoneNT) October 8, 2025